Answer

You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen birds do that they're 'not supposed to do'. I've run across quite a few that tuck seeds, crumbs, pellets, whatever they can eat, into their feathers - all over their body. This isn't a 'natural' behavior though and can many times be traced back to the bird having gone through a period of not getting enough food. Sometimes it's just a behavioral quirk that may never be explained (like OCD in humans).


What you're describing, however, sounds like an infection that is symptomatic periodically.


It may be a mite, which is relatively easy to deal with compared to the other possibilities of viral causations.

There are quite a few health problems that can be found in peafowl, from internal and external parasites, bacteria, viruses to protozoa (coccidiosis; black head’ or Histomoniasis; Trichomoniasis and others) . If you notice your birds acting off, contact your local veterinarians to get an idea of what sort of disease(s) are showing up locally. This gives you a solid start at figuring out what’s wrong.

Of note is that Histomoniasis protozoa are often perpetuated by Cecal worms. The worms themselves are relatively harmless in the bird except for this threat. The dormant histomonad can last season to season in the cecal worm eggs.

Bringing a bird in for a hands on exam (better yet, a vet that comes to your property) early on in the symptoms is best. If you cannot arrange this, arrange to bring in a fresh dropping (or several, kept separately) for a fecal float at the very least. The vet will know what else to look for depending on the symptoms you note.

Sometimes a fecal exam won’t be enough and again, you’ll need to bring a bird in.

Diseases like Salmonella Pullorum and S. gallinarum (Fowl typhoid) should be tested for at least yearly (twice a year is best).

Many viral diseases (ie: Newcastle’s) are preventable with vaccination and meticulous cleaning, as well as careful admission of new birds (be sure of their backgrounds).

Safeguard (panacur, fenbendozole) are common worming meds. I’d prefer a definite diagnosis of the parasite before administering. If you’re going to worm on your own anyway, up to 1 mL Safeguard liquid 10% per kilo of bird body weight administered to the bird is a frequent recommendation. If you’re unable to catch/weigh your birds, 3 mL for the younger ones and 5 mL for those up to a year usually works.

I’m assured this is a safe medication, but I’m exceptionally cautious and wouldn’t go above 3 mL administered via direct dose (syringe or eyedropper inside of beak) or food (not in water).

Remember, even though you're seeing one symptom in one place, doesn't mean it's not a disease originating in a different place. Birds are notorious for that because of compact and complex systems that are as different from mammals as they can be.

Good luck with this guy - and I'd really like to know how it goes ok?

Expert:	S. August Abbott, CAS
Pos. Feedback:	99.6 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/6/2008

Certified Avian Specialist

Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author